Gripper device extending from a column - used for feeding and removing workpieces to and from machine tools etc

The grips are mounted at the ends of two arms which in turn are mounted on a hub which can be moved up and down a column, which is mounted on a pedestal and can be rotated. Workpieces are fed past the arrangement on a belt up to a stop. One of the arms can be extended and pick up a workpiece from one side of the stop, and place it on a machine while after machining the second arm with grip can place the workpiece on the other side of the stop so that the workpiece can travel further on the belt, e.g. against a next stop where it can be handled by a second grip arrangement. The various movements of the unit are carried out by pneumatic cylinders. The grips can work magnetically, mechanically or pneumatically. Movements are damped hydraulically.